The Ministry of Lands and Local Government has said the Inquiry Commission set up to look into the alleged corruption scandal within the Kanifing Municipal Council will last for three months.

The inquiry begins hearings today at the Dunes hotel in Kotu.

“The Commission shall complete its inquiry within three months from the date of establishment of the inquiry. 

“In line with the above, your office and the general council are requested to support the process and the commission as mandated,” the Ministry of Lands and Local Government said.

According to the ministry, the commission will “seek to ascertain the alleged soliciting of bribe by the council’s former deputy mayor Musa Bah and CEO Sainabou Martin Sonko from the officials of ECOTECH and ALMOT, the circumstances of the deductions from the salaries of 106 members of the association for the purpose of repaying the loan facility, payment of salary advances to councillors, allowances increment of councillors and circumstances of renewal of contract of staff.”

The ministry also said the inquiry will “focus on appointment of staff, circumstances surrounding the unilateral stopping or halting of deduction of loan repayments of staff salaries, contracts awarded by the council, acquisition and financing of the “Mbalit Trucks” (waste collection trucks) and identify whether any person or group of persons have committed any offence related to the subject matter of the inquiry.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba